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In a letter directed at the newly appointed director of the National Protection Unit (​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​UNP), civil society groups urge Colombia to protect human rights defenders, union organizers and victims.

On November 12, WOLA honored Dr. Claudia Paz y Paz, former Attorney General of Guatemala, and Congressman George Miller with its 2014 Human Rights Award. Click here to watch video of their acceptance speeches.

WOLA honored Claudia Paz y Paz, former Attorney General of Guatemala and U.S. Congressman George Miller

13 Nov 2014

News

On November 12, the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) presented its prestigious Human Rights Awards by honoring two distinguished leaders who have shown a dedication to advancing human rights in the Americas: Claudia Paz y Paz, former Attorney General of Guatemala and U.S. Congressman George Miller.

In this taped event, leaders of the USO oil union outline how the Colombian government has systematically denied their right to freedom of association, social protest, and collective bargaining--despite commitments to secure improvements.

WOLA is pleased to announce the publication of the new report, “Brazil’s Lessons in Rural Development: Family Agriculture, Access to Water, and Civic Engagement,” which highlights two Brazilian policies that support small farmers.

Adam talks to Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, WOLA's senior associate for the Andes, about her recent visit to the Urabá and Atrato regions of Colombia. Topics covered include labor rights, land-rights leaders under threat, and prospects for peace talks.

Today Colombian trade unionists, representatives from WOLA, the Escuela Nacional Sindical, and the AFL-CIO noted during a panel discussion that the Labor Action Plan (LAP) has failed to stop serious labor and human rights violations in Colombia almost two months after the U.S.-Colombia trade agreement became effective.

"At a time when threats and murders of human rights and land rights leaders are escalating, and threats and violence against labor activists continue unabated, this premature decision sends the wrong signal at the wrong time."